Movie Reviews

An intelligent movie about lust, love and finding each other

twinmama@hotmail.com | Henderson, Nevada | 01/18/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"A slow, intelligent and witty film, Afterglow is perhaps one of the better testament about falling out of love and back. Julie Christie gives a moving performance as a washed-up actress looking back at her heydays and wondering where it all went. Nick Nolte playing her philandering husband certainly displays his devilish charm that makes him both irresistible in movies and in real life. But perhaps one of the most understated roles is that of Lara Flynn Boyle. She plays the dissatisfied housewife looking for a little sexual excitement that her husband (Johnny Miller) has failed to give her. She's quirky, sexy, and wonderful to watch. For anybody who wants to see a moving and wonderful love story, they should really see this film."

Another reason why Julie Christie should continue to perform

Frank Rodasky | Pacific Northwest | 04/26/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Here's Julie Christie more beautiful, more enchanting, sexier than she has been since her role in Doctor Zhivago thirty years ago. She's an ageless wonder, delicate and sweet while also being smart and tough. Her performance as Phyllis Mann, a washed up B-Movie actress is entrancing, so much so that when viewing the film, I found myself ignoring the other actors while she was on screen. I couldn't take my eyes from her for a moment, though that's no slander at her co-stars. Nick Nolte is as watchable and likable as ever as Christie's philandering husband. Lara Flynn Boyle and Johnny Lee Miller have never really been my cup of tea, but perform complex parts with admirable skill. They are a young couple with all the material possessions in the world but separated by an emotional iciness between them. Boyle wants a child while Miller does not, so she turns to handyman Nolte. Miller happens to meet Christie and becomes fascinated by her while she allows herself to be seduced as much out of revenge as curiosity. The film is stylishly directed by Alan Rudolph and I give special credit to cinematographer Toyomichi Kurita for his excellent camera work, though I envy him for getting to stare through his lens every day to see Julie Christie before him. A touching film with fine performances all around, with Christie the standout(yet again)."

Magical tale of love lost & re-discovered

Frank Rodasky | 08/03/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Ok, so it took my second attempt to see it all the way through, but boy was it worth it! Christie is magical in her portrayal. Not to be missed. Not for one seeking a creampuff light romance."

Another brilliant, whimsical triumph from Alan Rudolph

Robert E. Lloyd | Deerfield Beach, FL | 12/22/1998

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Once again, Alan Rudolph shows why he is one of the best directors working in film. As a result of superb casting, a wonderful script, and gorgeous photography, he has managed to capture once again the contradictions of modern life and love. Immensely entertaining, this film picks up where his "Love at Large" left off. This film will entertain everyone with its sense of joie de vivre and irony."

A bittersweet tale of marriage and infidelity.

Robert E. Lloyd | 04/17/1999

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Julie Christie can convey more emotions with a single glance, or a drag from a cigarette, than any actress in recent cinema history. Pity that we do not see more of her on the screen, and how sad it is that she lost the Academy Award to Helen Hunt in her "made-for-TV" performance in "As Good As It Gets." Fine performances by the ensemble cast."